Floridians would be asked to approve a tax break for people who elevate their homes to avoid the threat of flooding, while up to $100 million a year would be set aside to help local governments combat rising sea levels, under proposals announced Friday by House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor.
Florida lawmakers tackle flood risk with slate of climate change bills
A couple walks down Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa in 2017, where the bay had receded ahead of an expected storm surge from Hurricane Irma. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images.
Florida lawmakers unveiled a suite of bills at USF s St. Petersburg campus on Friday aimed at preparing the state for flooding caused by climate change-induced sea-level rise.
Why it matters: A study released by the First Street Foundation last week found that Florida accounts for the nation s heaviest concentration of expected economic loss due to residential flood risk, at nearly $8 billion.
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